Are you looking for something fun to do this Halloween? Why not host a Candy Pairing Party? I know this sounds expensive, but if you follow my plan, I promise it will be a memorable and inexpensive evening.
Step 1: Create your invite list, you will need precise numbers so you can ensure you have enough goodies and glassware.
Step 2: Select your candies. Choose one candy per guest. If there are to be six people in attendance, select six candies. Be diverse in your candy selection, include sweet, sour and chocolate.
Step 3: Send out your invites. Each invite should include an assigned candy. If you are inviting a couple include two candies. Your guests will have to pair a libation to the candy they have been assigned. There are tons of pairing ideas on the interweb.
Step 4: Purchase the alcohol. Each guest will need to buy enough alcohol for sharing. Remember this is a sampling party so think small servings
4oz = Beer/Cooler
2oz = Wine
1oz = Spirit
Step 5: Gather! Your guests bring the alcohol you provide the candy and glassware. Make sure you have plenty of water for palate cleansing.
Step 6: Sample and discuss. Have each guest introduce the pairing selection. Then encourage the party to discuss the results. Everyone will have a different experience, so talk about it! Was it good? Was it bad? Were you surprised by the pairing? Remember to laugh, this is not a serious activity!
Pro Tip: Group your liquor. Wines with wines – Beers with beers – Spirits with spirits
Pairing Ideas
Bougie Bubbles – Sparkling wine with Starbursts
Taste the Rainbow – Skittles with off-dry Rose or Sauvignon Blanc
Take a Break – Kit Kat with Pinot Noir or Merlot
Get the Sensation – York Peppermint Pattie with a bold Shiraz
Pucker Power – Warheads with Tequila
Make Your Mouth Happy - Use a Twizzler as a straw in your Rum and cola
Better with Peanut Butter – Reese's Peanut Butter Cups with Bourbon
Chocolate Covered Strawberries – Plain M&M’s with Fruli (strawberry beer)
Wunderful – Stout and a Wunderbar
Smartie Pants – Smarties and a crisp Pilsner
Get Jolly – Jolly Ranchers and IPA
Krafty Apple – Kraft Caramel with a Cider
Candy Corn - This one is for my sister, as she is one of few people I know that like Candy Corn. For this unique candy, I would recommend an unoaked Chardonnay or a Cream Ale.
Happy Halloween!